Vasaloppet course to be rerouted for 2026 to reduce water hazards: “A better experience”

Vasaloppet will be rerouted next year to reduce the risk of large pools of water forming on the course during mild conditions, while keeping the overall distance unchanged.

According to race CEO Johan Eriksson, work has already begun 110 days out from the world’s most classic long-distance ski race. One affected section is before the first checkpoint in Smågan, where water has tended to collect on the marshes in milder weather. Preventive measures will also be implemented at the start in Sälen to decrease the likelihood of water accumulation.

Near the finish in Mora, a correction is planned so that the Vasaloppet trail will now enter more rolling terrain and take competitors directly into the ski stadium, rather than looping around it as before. Eriksson says the change should make the finish more accessible for spectators and give skiers an extra boost late in the race, while also leading to significantly drier feet if temperatures are above freezing.

Demand remains high: more than 43,000 participants have already signed up for Vasaloppet’s winter week, up 14 percent from the same time last year. The event expects entries to sell out earlier than in 2024, though places remain available. Organisers also report an 11 percent increase in first‑time entrants to the main race, a trend they attribute in part to the “Mot alla odds” effect after SVT’s team, led by Gunde Svan, completed the Vasaloppet last winter.

The 102nd Vasaloppet starts on Sunday, March 1, and will be broadcast by SVT.